Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and a former governor of Kano State, has directed that Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf should step down from office if he intends to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Kwankwaso made the statement during a meeting with party supporters and key stakeholders in Kano, as discussions intensify around possible political shifts in the state.
The remarks come amid increasing speculation that the NNPP-led administration in Kano may consider aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking bluntly, Kwankwaso criticised the pressure being mounted on the governor to abandon the NNPP, arguing that such a defection would effectively deprive the Kwankwasiyya Movement of its sole control of executive power.
He insisted that the mandate secured under the party should not be transferred through political realignment.
“If you have 30 governors, why must you take Kano State governor? Is he yours? He is the only one left for us in the Government House,” he said.
“Those instigating him to go should tell him to drop the governorship for us and go, since the governorship is not meant for only one person,” Kwankwaso added.
He also described the ongoing political tensions in the state as a “nightmare”, calling on those fuelling the crisis to reconsider their actions in the interest of the people.
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“Thank you for coming at this difficult time. What is happening is surprising, just like a nightmare. Some unfortunate things are happening in Kano that some people don’t even believe,” Kwankwaso said.
“For me, I wish I was asleep and when I wake up I will see that what is happening is not true,” he added.
“Since these things started, I have tried my best. Anybody I needed to talk to, I have done that, trying to convince them that the track they are on will not benefit anybody in Kano.
“At least this government has one year ahead, and if we join heads together, people will benefit. What people are surprised about is, what is really the problem? What happened? I myself am still aloof of what is happening.
“People who don’t understand and think where we are is not okay for us are saying we should leave this place and become members of ‘Gandujiyya’.
“The line has drawn itself in Kano State. It is a war between light and darkness, and the people of Kano have since understood that.
“Only God knows the number of people in pain in Kano State. Many came here crying. Many people are in a serious dilemma. Some have developed high blood pressure, some are in the hospital, and they are lovers of this party who voted for this government.
“God has helped us because the majority have patience, and that is Kwankwasiyya. Many may not have benefitted, but when they see the governor, they still wish him well because they don’t want people to laugh at us.
“I advised that it is not local governments or chairmen in Kano that should be organising people on social media calling me. This is complete madness and shows that some people are doing things capable of stabbing themselves in the stomach,” he said.
